Woodchester Park blue route from Tinkley Gate
Explore acres of safe green space perfect for the family, an orchard and café facilities at Tinkley Gate before taking an adventure into the hidden wooded valley at Woodchester Park using the newly resurfaced blue route.
Walking poles are available to borrow
The paths down into the valley can be a bit steep in places, but shouldn't be slippery thanks to their new surface. Walking poles are free to borrow for anyone and are available outside the second-hand bookstore.
Total steps: 8
Total steps: 8
Start point
Tinkley Gate Café, grid ref: SO81397
Step 1
From Tinkley Gate Café, with the café on your left, follow the signs to track the new path down towards Woodchester Park. Until March 2024, there are diversions in place whilst we install a new zig-zag path down to join the blue route.
Step 2
From the bottom of the red route, with a wooden building slightly up the hill, continue down the hill on to a newly surfaced path towards the trees.
Step 3
Descend through the trees, bending round to the left and then the right as you continue towards the blue route at Woodchester.
Step 4
As you descend into the valley, with the lakes on your left, continue on to a straight path that leads you further into Woodchester Park. You will pass a stile on your left as you look down towards the boathouse - this is the route you will return up on your way back.
Step 5
Once you reach the end of the long, straight path you've been on through the park, turn left slightly downhill towards a building known as The Kennels. This was once a building used for agricultural purposes and storage connected to cattle grazing in the park.
Step 6
After you have crossed the lakes, turn left to follow the other side of the lake with the water on your left. Keep an eye out for wildlife and the great views across the valley.
Step 7
Bear around to the left, and past the boathouse on your left. Built in the late 18th century, the Boathouse was used by the Leigh and Ducie families and their guests for outings. It was restored in 1998 when the roof, windows and floor timbers were replaced. Bats use the roof space as a stop-off on their nightly feeding forays.
Step 8
At the top of this path, cross over into the field (keep dogs on leads and be aware that cattle often use this field for grazing) and head up hill to the stile at the top of the field. From here, you're back on the path on which you descended into the valley. Follow this uphill and back to Tinkley Gate.
End point
Tinkley Gate Car Park, grid ref: SO81326
Trail map
More near here
Rodborough Common views walk
If you're pushed for time, you can still enjoy some of the best views the Cotswolds has to offer on this short walk.
Woodchester Park boathouse walk
Follow a trail through the secluded valley of Woodchester Park, home to the remains of a landscape park, a Victorian mansion and five lakes fringed by woodland and pasture.
Get in touch
Tinkley Lane, near Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, GL10 3UH